December 17, 2006, 11:00 AM
Third Sunday in Advent

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Opening Praise – 337:1,2 “Joy to the World!  The Lord Is Come”
*God Greets Us
*A Birthday Gift – Sunday School Children
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise – “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”
“The Joy of the Lord”
340:1,4 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
The Advent Candle Lighting - Joy
The Christian life is full of ordinary things that together work for the extraordinary purpose of glorifying God.  We rejoice in the promises of God and yet at times our hearts are sad.
Even David, Israel’s great king, at times was downcast and disturbed within his soul.
Despite the problems we face in this world, we are called to be a people of rejoicing.  The Scriptures call us to “rejoice in the Lord always.”
Why so downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God!
We light this third Advent candle with rejoicing, knowing that Christ will surely come again and make all things new.  Let us pray to the Lord who has come and is coming again.
Gracious God, our world is often filled with disappointment, pain and sadness.  In this dark place, may your light shine.  Ignite in our hearts this day a desire to rejoice in you and your promises that will surely come to pass.  In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Advent Song – 333 “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading – Isaiah 9:6; John 10:22-39
Message – “He Is the Everlasting Father”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 342:1-3 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”
The Offering – General Fund
Musical Gift – “Breath of Heaven” 
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Service
*God Blesses Us
*Parting Song – 337:3,4 “Joy to the World!”
Postlude

THIS WEEK IN THE LIFE OF VALLEY CHURCH
This morning we continue the celebration of Advent, a very special time when we remember Jesus’ first coming to earth as a baby and also look forward to his coming again to this earth as Lord of all.  Also there will be special music this morning.  We are grateful for the people at Valley Church who are willing to share their talents with us to enhance our worship.

The Sunday School children had a birthday party for Jesus this morning and they will be giving a birthday treat to all of us at the beginning of our worship time.  Thank you to the teachers who work hard to make the Sunday School time special for the children each week.

The Christmas Eve Candlelight service is next Sunday, December 24 at 7:30 PM.  For many people in our community this has become an important part of their Christmas observance, but there are many people who do not know this service is available to them.  Take time this week to invite a neighbor or friend to join you at this special worship service.

There will be no second offering next Sunday morning.  The offering at the Candlelight service will be for Valley Church youth programs.

Advance notice:  There will be a New Year’s Eve worship time led by the elders on December 31 at 7:00 PM.

The deacons thank you for the items you contributed to the Giving Tree.  These items were given out to members of our community yesterday at the Christmas distribution of food, clothing and toys organized by the Chenango Forks Schools social workers.

Please include Ken and Jane Bruster and their family in your prayers.  Ken and Jane attended here in the past.  Ken has been in Cardiac Care at Wilson Hospital for the past month with complications from surgery for an aneurysm along with lung and breathing issues.  May God’s presence sustain them both in a very trying time.

Next Sunday, December 24, 2006

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM Sunday School classes do NOT meet this week or next.  Classes will resume as usual on January 7.

MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM   Pastor Gelder will be with us as we continue our Advent celebration.  The message is “He Is the Prince of Peace”, based on Isaiah 9:6 and John 14:27.

EVENING WORSHIP:  7:30 PM  Christmas Eve Candlelight service.  This service is a special time of adoration and praise, featuring special music, readings from God’s Word and a brief meditation on the meaning of Christmas.  The focus will be on the special name given the baby, “Jesus” (cf. Matthew 1:21).  As always the service will conclude with candle lighting as we sing “Silent Night”.  The offering will be to support Valley Church youth activities.